Becoming One

50 years is a long time...A long time to wake up to the same person every morning, a long time to recognize things that bother you and have the maturity to either communicate your feelings or accept how your spouse is, a long time to die to self and love instead. That is what we celebrated yesterday - 50 years that Mom and Dad have fulfilled the scripture from Genesis 2: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to be his wife, and they will become one flesh."

When I met them, they were still working out that whole idea of "becoming one", but it was during a rocky time. I remember them being on the verge of divorce, separated and the future of their family seemed destined for what so many families struggle with today - DIVORCE. But as they said yesterday, through their faith and determination, they chose to love each other and our children are blessed because of it. Through their 50 year marriage and the relationships they value with their children and grandchildren, they are a living testimony that love never fails - not THEIR love, but the love God's given them.

Yesterday was a beautiful day to watch them, two people who are closer than they've ever been to "becoming one". We don't really have the maturity to understand that idea when we first get married, but every time we go through a difficult stretch in our marriage yet still choose to love, the idea becomes clearer and clearer.

Many friends and family who have been a part of Mom & Dad's life together came to celebrate with us. Dad shared a very sweet story about how every big event in their lives has given him so much happiness, he has been brought to tears. (It brought Mom to tears and many in the room.) Some were brave enough to stand and share their thoughts with everyone, like Mark Manning and Travis O'Bryan, but I know everyone there was pondering what the milestone of 50 years of marriage truly means. The Deacon from St. James Church was also there to bless their marriage. Then all were entertained by songs from Neil Diamond, Elvis Presley and Tom Jones.
I am so thankful to Mom and Dad and so honored to call them that. I was sharing with Dad yesterday, my memories of the early years in their family and how rocky I remembered things were between them. That is something I share with my kids as well, because I want them to know people struggle in marriages and yet choose to stick it out, just like their grandparents. When I was talking to Dad, he was watching Mom walk and commented, "Her foot must be bothering her" and I thought how sweet that was. He said it with caring and love - he knows her - she knows him - they know each other's bad habits, good habits, and secrets. They are becoming one. It is a blessing and joy to be a part of their lives and watch that happen.